Jhalokathi, Nov 01 (V7N) – Residents and cardholders in Keora Union, Jhalokathi, staged a protest and human chain on Saturday morning at Sarengal Market, alleging overcharging during the government’s Food-Friendly program rice distribution.

According to the protesters, the dealer at “Nirab Store,” Md. Jalal Ahmed Sikder, sold rice at higher prices than the government-set rate of Tk 15 per kilogram. While the standard rate for 30 kilograms per card is Tk 450, Sikder reportedly charged 550 Tk, collecting Tk 100 extra from each beneficiary.

Protesters claimed that the dealer completed Friday’s distribution to conceal the overcharging. Many local representatives, political leaders, and social activists were unaware of the irregularities and could not attend.

Abdul Jabbar Molla, a resident of Sarengal village, said, “The dealer took Tk 550 from me, though the government rate is Tk 450. I am not the only one; many others were overcharged by Tk 100.”

Expressing outrage, Keora Union BNP President M.A. Mannan Labu said, “There has been extreme irregularity and corruption in the Food-Friendly program’s rice distribution. The dealer must be held accountable immediately.”

The accused dealer, Md. Jalal Ahmed Sikder, admitted to taking Tk 50–100 extra per card, citing transportation costs for bringing cards to the town, but did not clarify whether the additional charge was legally justified.

B.M. Shafikul Islam, Acting District Food Controller, confirmed awareness of the overcharging and stated that the matter will be investigated and necessary action taken. Farhana Yasmin, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Sadar, added that Food Department officials have been notified and that the extra money collected from beneficiaries will be refunded. Legal action will follow if the allegations are confirmed.

Under the government’s Food-Friendly program, impoverished cardholders are entitled to purchase 30 kilograms of rice at Tk 15 per kilogram. However, the recent overcharging incident has sparked significant public outrage in the area.

END/AIJ/SMA/